Carl Soderberg and Filip Forsberg are both centers, both Swedish and both ready to make their NHL debuts, but that's about where the similarities end.

Soderberg, after some last-minute interference, is joining the Boston Bruins for their stretch run, while Forsberg, a 2012 first-round pick, is getting a look-see from the Nashville Predators, who acquired him at the deadline from the Washington Capitals.

Carl Soderberg, officially, is a Boston Bruin. (AP Photo)

Soderberg, 27 and the Swedish Elite League's leading goal-scorer, signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Bruins on Saturday. His country's hockey federation attempted earlier this week to block the move, but Soderberg, as expected, will have the opportunity to center Boston's third line moving forward. He's a 6-4, 207 pounds center with two-way skills and plus-offensive potential.

Soderberg was the St. Louis Blues' second-round pick in 2004. Boston had been attempting to get him to make the jump since acquired him for goalie Hannu Toivonen in 2007. Now they have him just in time for the postseason.

“We’ve been trying for five years to get him over here and it’s close,” GM Peter Chiarelli told the Boston Herald last month. “He’s had a hell of a year and he’s grown into a big strong kid now, a man, and he’s told us that he feels he’s ready now. He’s a good player, big strong player. There are still some steps to go, but it looks good.”

Nashville, meanwhile, is attempting to see what they have in Forsberg, who averaged a point per game (15 goals and 18 assists) with his Swedish team. Washington took him 11th overall then traded him to the Preds for Martin Erat. There are reportedly concerns about his skating, but he's a rare commodity for Nashville: a forward with top-six potential. He'll wear No. 9 against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday if his travel and visa situations unfold as expected.

"I think I'll try to put him in situations where he might be able to show off some his ability. Might put him on the power play or something like that," coach Barry Trotz told reporters. "Even if he plays marginally, I think that's still a good experience for him."

Nashville, unlike Boston, has little to play for, so there's no real reason not to give Forsberg a look over the season's final six games—though he'll certainly dress for no more than five to avoid burning a year of his contract.